AND THEN there were three!

First time Black Swan parents Rosie and Bluey are now proudly looking after their three newly hatched cygnets in Dawlish.

This is third time lucky for the couple who endure bad bad luck over the winter with all previous eggs laid so far lost or washed away during heavy rain.

Now three of the five eggs on their nest are starting to explore having hatched over the last two days.

Bluey and Rosie are relatively inexperienced at breeding compared with the other established couple Bert and Kimba who are successfully rearing five growing cygnets.

Two eggs remain in the nest but are not yet showing any signs of hatching.

The now fluffy cygnets are likely to be out on the water soon.